David Morrell Jr./ Ve Shawn Owens Make Weight in MNPLS (photos, weights and quotes)

Cuban sensation and unbeaten WBA Super Middleweight Champion David Morrell Jr. (4-0, 3 KO’s) and undefeated challenger Mario Cázares (12-0, five KOs) squared off for the last time at todays weigh-ins pre-fight ahead of their 12-round contest. The two boxers headline FOX PBC Fight Night on FOX this Sunday, June 27 at The Armory in Minneapolis. The televised main portion of the show begins at 7pm CST.
Official Weights: David Morrell Jr. (167.2 lbs.) vs. Mario Cazares (166.6 lbs.).
(Photo Credits: Andrew Dobin / TGB Promotions)

DAVID O. MORRELL JR.

“I did everything the same to prepare for this fight. I trained hard. Only this time I had much more time to get in shape.”

“This fight is going to be a war. It’s going to be Cuba vs. Mexico. I know he’s well prepared, but I know that I’ve prepared better.”

“I’m ready for whatever happens. If it goes the distance, then I’ll be ready to win. If it goes easier and ends inside the distance, I’m still going to win. I prepared very well for this fight.”

“My game plan is to stay happy and to be ready for whatever. My mood is not going to change.”

“There’s been a lot of talk that I may not be ready for a test like this. I’m going to prove all of those people wrong on Sunday. I’m ready for this fight and for all of the fighters at 168 pounds.“

“Minneapolis is my home. I’m happy to be fighting here. I consider everyone in Minneapolis to be part of my team. This is my new home and I’m excited to put on a great show at The Armory on Sunday.”

– David Morrell Jr.

Ve Shawn “Mr. Magic” Owens (11-2, 10 KO’s) and his opponent Joseph Francisco (8-2) also made weight for their featured undercard 140 pound showdown. If you can’t make it to the Armory live, Owens vs. Francisco can be watched live on either FS1 or later on FOX depending on how the card shakes out. Owens is currently listed as the long swing bout. The undercard portion begins at 5pm CST.
Official Weights: Ve Shawn Owens (140 lbs.) vs. Joseph Francisco (139.8 lbs.).

VE SHAWN OWENS

“Being in training camp for two months has my mind sharp and focused. This is my first time ever having this kind of training camp for a fight.”

“This here is a start of a new Journey in my career, the confidence, the fan support, the passion. Most importantly the worth ethic. I’m so ready for the 140 division, this is just the start.”

“It’s been two long years since my last match up, my debut at 140 is going to be epic. I have a fan friendly style with dramatic power and speed. Y’all don’t understand the amount of excitement.”

“With Minnesota behind me the world is going to know my name.”

– Ve Shawn Owens to Minnesotaboxing.com

It was revealed yesterday that Saint Coud, MN’s Joe James would no longer be boxing on the show after his opponent had a positive Covid test comeback. James recently relocated to the Twin Cities area and will be in attendance to watch the action from the Armory.

MARIO CÁZARES

“I understand the Cuban style of fighting very well. We have a lot of influence from the Cuban style. So I know Morrell and I understand exactly where he’s coming from with his style.

“This opportunity didn’t happen overnight. I’ve been working towards this moment and getting ready for this fight for a long time.

“Sunday is going to be a war.”

EFETOBOR APOCHI

“I’m blessed and happy to be here. I’ve been working hard for weeks to prepare for this. This is my life. I’m a warrior and a fighter.

“I don’t think he’ll be able to hang with me in there and go the distance. It’s not going to happen. I have the best team in the world around me.

“I want to fight undefeated fighters because I like fighting for championships. I don’t like to fight guys who have lost before. So when they told me I’m going to fight Glanton who’s 13 – 0 with 11 knockouts I said, ‘Good, I like that.’ That’s what boxing is all about. It’s about entertainment, and it’s a business and a show. People want to see action. I love challenges. I’m bringing the fight on Sunday. Nobody brings the fight to me. I bring the fight!”

BRANDON GLANTON

“I feel strong. My weight is on point. This camp has been great. I’ve had enough time to get to know who I’m fighting and get everything together that I’ll need to be ready for this fight.

“I’m definitely excited to get back in the ring. Fans or no fans, I’m a professional and I’m here to handle my business. It feels good to fight someone who they think deserves to be in there with me and I look forward to whatever Apochi does on Sunday.”

OMAR JUÁREZ

“I’m mentally and physically in the best shape of my life. I’m ready for whatever Rivera is going to bring to the table on Sunday.

“This training camp was amazing. We did things a little differently. I’ve actually been training with Mario Barrios so that both of us could get the work we needed for our fights this weekend.

“I’m more than ready for this fight and I’m excited to get back into the ring on FOX.”

ALL RIVERA

“Training camp went really well. We’ve just been working hard to make sure that everything is ready on fight night.

“All of our plans are coming together perfectly for a great night of action on Sunday.”